Obituary of David Ernest Barker

Dr. David E. Barker, beloved brother, uncle, godfather, Professor Emeritus, and fierce and loyal friend, passed away peacefully on April 28, 2025, at the age of 80, in Saginaw, Michigan. He was a dedicated educator and scholar for nearly four decades at Saginaw Valley State University, leaving an indelible mark on the lives of countless students, staff, and faculty colleagues.

Born June 28, 1944, in Sherman, Texas, David was the son of Ernest Barker and Nadine Barker (née Morgan). Dr. Barker earned his undergraduate degree in French from The University of Texas at Arlington, and his master’s and doctorate degrees in French from The University of Texas at Austin. As part of his graduate studies, David also spent two years at Sorbonne University in Paris, France. 

Dr. Barker was a faculty member in the Department of Modern Foreign Languages from 1971 until his retirement in 2009. He served as department chair for the majority of his tenure, and, upon his retirement, the SVSU administration bestowed upon him the honorary title of Professor Emeritus in recognition of his distinguished service and his contributions to the university community. Additionally, the departmental foreign language laboratory was named in his honor. In 1998, he was the recipient of the Franc A. Landee award for excellence in teaching. He was instrumental in establishing the local chapter of Alpha Mu Gamma, national honorary for foreign language students, and the local chapter of Alpha Phi Omega, national service fraternity. One of David’s greatest honors was serving as university commencement marshal for more than 20 years.

Following his retirement from SVSU in 2009, David’s passion for teaching and educating never faltered. He continued to serve as commencement marshal until 2013. He became involved in various committees at First United Methodist Church of Saginaw and ultimately found his niche in participating in the backpack program providing food to low-income elementary level students in local schools. He found renewed joy in helping shape young minds by becoming a volunteer reading partner to kindergarten and first graders in Saginaw Township public schools and was honored with the Benevolent Leaders of Creativity and Knowledge (BLOCK) award for 2018-2019 in recognition of his commitment to the community and its young students.

David was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Ernestine Barker, and his brother-in-law, Jim Dickson. He is survived by his sister, Martha Dickson of Nacogdoches, Texas, his nephew, John Dickson of Los Angeles, California, and his godson, Rob Rogers of Saginaw, Michigan. A memorial service celebrating David’s life will be held on June 15, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at First United Methodist Church of Saginaw. Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. until the time of service. David’s interment in the Memorial Garden at First United Methodist Church of Saginaw and a reception will be held following the memorial service.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider making a donation to the Dr. David E. Barker Endowed Scholarship fund at Saginaw Valley State University.  To sign online guestbook, visit www.cremationsocietymidmi.com  Arrangements made with the Cremation Society of Mid Michigan.